Chapter 25
PAINTING
Preparation and precautions
Because the origin of any paint to be removed may be unknown, precautionary measures should be taken in all circumstances. Appropriate respiratory protective equipment should be worn as protection against other dusts.
Rust removers are acids and contact with unprotected skin should be avoided. Eye/face protection should be worn against splashes.
If painting aloft or otherwise near ropes, care should be taken to avoid splashes on ropes, safety harness, lines, etc.
Interior and enclosed spaces should be well ventilated, both while painting is in progress and until the paint has dried.
There should be no smoking or use of naked lights during painting or until the paint has dried hard. Some vapours even in low concentrations may decompose into more harmful substances when passing through burning tobacco.
When painting is done in the vicinity of machinery, the power supply should be isolated and the machine immobilized in such a way that it cannot be moved or started up inadvertently. Appropriate warning notices should be posted. Close-fitting clothing should be worn.
Application of new paint
Paints may be considered hazardous substances and mixtures, and may present risks that require precautions to be taken. Packaging is required to be marked with warning signs, which will give the first indication of any risks. A risk assessment should be carried out using the safety data sheet provided with the product. Seafarers using such paints should be warned of the particular risks arising from their use.
Use of paint-spraying equipment
There are many different types of paint-spraying equipment in use, seafarers should comply with the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Airless spray-painting equipment is particularly hazardous because the paint is ejected at a very high pressure and can penetrate the skin or cause serious eye injuries. Spray should not be allowed to come into contact with the face or unprotected skin. Use face mask.
Suitable protective clothing such as a combination suit, gloves, cloth hood and eye protection should be worn during spraying.
Paints containing lead, mercury or similarly toxic compounds are BANNED.
A suitable respirator should be worn according to the nature of the paint being sprayed. In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to use specialist breathing apparatus.
If a spray nozzle clogs, the trigger of the gun should be locked in a closed position before any attempt is made to clear the blockage.
Before a blocked spray nozzle is removed or any other dismantling is attempted, pressure should be relieved from the system.
When blowing through a reversible nozzle to remove a blockage, all parts of the body should be kept clear of the nozzle mouth.
The pressure in the system should not exceed the recommended working pressure of the hose. The system should be regularly inspected for defects.
As an additional precaution against the hazards of a hose bursting, a loose sleeve (e.g. a length of 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet) of old air hose) may be slipped over that portion of the line adjacent to the gun and paint container.